Does the single patient room concept raise costs?
No. In many ways, the single patient concept helps keep costs down and is a more efficient utilization of space. When a hospital has double patient rooms the ‘room mates’ must be of the same gender in order to share a room. This can complicate rooming options. In addition, studies have shown that most patients recuperate faster in single patient rooms. Finally, and most importantly, insurance companies pay the hospital a flat rate for a patient per day. Therefore, it doesn’t matter with regards to reimbursement what our patient rooms are, we will be paid the same price.
